LANSING, Mich. (WZZM) -- Saugatuck and Douglas are one step closer to combining their governments.

The Michigan Boundary Commission Wednesday unanimously approved an order to consolidate the communities. The proposal now goes to the head of Michigan's Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for final approval.

If the LARA chief gives his okay, the cities will put consolidation to a public vote.

Merging the cities is intended to save money, mainly through combining redundant departments.